Delays From Grand Prix Construction To Intensify
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Baltimore Grand Prix is just three months away from the streets of downtown but as the city prepares, there are new detours going into effect this week.
Tim Williams has more on road construction that may alter your rush hour commute.
As Labor Day approaches, so does Baltimore's first ever Grand Prix. But what's already here--construction and congestion--will increase in preparation for the race.
"Long as I can get across the street, but if they're blocking it off and I can't get across, it's going to be a problem for me," said Jocelyn Smith.
A five-year agreement brings Grand Prix racing to Charm City's two and a half mile course. But at speeds of more than 180 miles per hour, downtown streets around the Inner Harbor and stadiums need to be repaired so they can be up for the task.
The latest construction means that Conway Street will be closed in both directions between Light and Charles Streets. The closure will last up to two weeks and begins Monday.
Some alternate routes for getting into the city include Howard Street to Baltimore Street and I-395 to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
City crews have been plugging potholes and smoothing out roads to the total tune of more than $5 million.
"Some of the repairs haven't been done in over 35 years," said Adrienne Barnes, Department of Transportation.
City planners say the cost is offset by the 100,000 visitors and $70 million the race is expected to inject at the local economy.
"Look at the underground utility work to try to avoid or alleviate any water main or damage to the infrastructure under the surface," Barnes said.
In the short run, some local residents say the money could be better spent.
"See how that's raised up? And sometimes when you're out walking...I can't keep looking down at the ground," said Doris Fitzpatrick.
Now, nearly 30,000 daily motorists downtown are looking ahead to when the construction and the race are both over.
The race is on track to generate $7 million in tax dollars and create nearly 2,000 jobs.
For detours and road closures, click here.
